The enclosed, claustrophobic feel from the confined aspect ratio in “Runner” lends the sensation of being trapped, which makes it one of the stronger directorial choices by Marian Mathias in her feature debut. Confinement is the order of the day in this story of stark emotion, unforgiving landscape, and the comfort of finding friendship in a time of loneliness and grief. It’s a beautiful film that gives a bleak yet hopeful view of a young woman’s uncertain future.

Haas (Hannah Schiller) is an 18 year old only child who lives with her mentally ill father (Jonathan Erickson Eisley) in the desolate plains of Missouri. When he dies unexpectedly, the young woman learns that she has inherited crushing debit and a home that is pending foreclosure. Without the means to handle the dire situation, Haas decides to escort her father’s remains back to his hometown in Illinois, as per his wishes. With rain delaying the burial, she meets a local boy (Darren Houle) and develops a meaningful, if all too brief, friendship.

Mathias also wrote the film, and she has a commanding understanding of Depression-era Americana. The script feels deeply meaningful and pairs well with her keen visual instincts, especially as an ominous cloud hangs over the story that’s set in a dark, dustbowl landscape and rain-soaked farmland. This film is the total package when it comes to writing and direction.

The storytelling is purposeful and leisurely, but never too slow. It’s the type of film viewers experience along with the lead character, and there’s no hurry to follow her to her eventual fate.

“Runner” is a hauntingly gorgeous film that captures the feeling of despair and the intimidating aspect of a future that hangs in the balance. This is a stunning debut from Mathias.

By: Louisa Moore